Gold medalist to celebrate at Pearl St.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Buffalo’s own Olympic gold medalist is back in the City of Good Neighbors, and he wants to share his triumph with his hometown.

City Honors graduate Steve Mesler, who became the first Western New Yorker to bring home Olympic gold since Angola’s Christian Laettner won with the 1992 U.S. Basketball “Dream Team,” was a member of the “Night Train” bobsled team, whose victory in Vancouver was the first for U.S. four-man bobsled since 1948.

After several national appearances, Mesler is now back in Buffalo, anxious to celebrate with his own people. Among his appearances, including Wednesday’s ceremony at City Hall and Wednesday night’s puck drop at the Buffalo Sabres-Dallas Stars game at HSBC Arena, Mesler is inviting the entire city to a free party at Pearl Street Grill & Brewery from 6:30-9:30pm on Thursday night.

“This gold medal is not only for me, it’s for all of Buffalo,” said Mesler. “The Pearl Street party is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the fruits of all this hard labor in a relaxed setting.”

The party includes a cash bar and live music from the Stone Bridge Band on the second floor, and a chance to meet Mesler and his gold medal.

“It’s just a good ol’ Buffalo party – good music, some beers, and hanging out,” Mesler added. “I want to share this with as many people as possible.”